10 supporting turns that (almost) steal the show
With the holidays just weeks away, Hollywood is serving up some of the year's best films, from big-budget comedies to awards-destined dramas. And while it's true that leading stars often get all the (marketing) glory, many of the new offerings are packed with stellar secondary turns. Who should you keep an eye on? Here are 10 standout supporting performances (films are now showing unless indicated otherwise).
Funniest partner in crime: Megan Mullally, Why Him?
The upcoming Christmas comedy (in theaters Dec. 23) may officially be about a dad (Bryan Cranston) disapproving of his daughter's wealthy, eccentric new boyfriend (James Franco), but Mullally takes a rote wife role and turns it into gut-busting performance simmering with sexual rejuvenation.
Sturdiest brother: Kyle Chandler, Manchester by the Sea
We see only glimpses of the relationship Lee (Casey Affleck) shares with his older sibling Joe (Chandler) in this well-regarded family drama, yet the actor, who has made an impact in critical hits including Carol, Argo and The Wolf of Wall Street in recent years, turns in a deeply felt performance.
Most dependable friend in a crisis: Dan Fogler, Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them
Jacob Kowalski (Fogler), the charming non-magical American baker, keeps J.K. Rowling's new franchise grounded, joining Newt Scamander (Eddie Redmayne) on a chase for his beloved beasts. (Here's hoping Jacob's memory is restored in the planned Beasts sequel.)
Most surprising sorcerer: Benedict Wong, Doctor Strange
In the Benedict Cumberbatch-led Marvel movie, plenty of the best quips came from Wong, an intimidating master sorcerer and keeper of spells — who isn't above breaking out headphones to jam to Beyoncé's Single Ladies (Put A Ring on It).
Timeliest reminder you liked the wrong guy in high school: Hayden Szeto, The Edge of Seventeen
Szeto's sweet, scene-stealing portrayal of Erwin, the shy teen who wants a shot with the angsty Nadine (Hailee Steinfeld), effectively reminded the rest of us how we only get wiser with age.
Smoothest ringer: John Legend, La La Land
In his first major film role, Legend is winning in the nostalgic musical (in theaters Friday) as a bandleader who dangles fame in front of struggling jazz purist Sebastian (Ryan Gosling). Add to that, the 10-time Grammy Award winner co-wrote the film's song Start A Fire.
Most incredible double take: Caspar Phillipson in Jackie
You'll blink twice watching the strong-jawed Danish star portray John F. Kennedy in the new biopic starring Natalie Portman as the grieving first lady.
Sneakiest assistant: Alison Pill, Miss Sloane
When power lobbyist Elizabeth Sloane (Jessica Chastain) ditches her high-paying job to take on the gun lobby, her trusted assistant Jane (Pill) coolly keeps us guessing as she begins to work against her former boss.
Sweetest animal BFF: Pua in Moana
Sure, dimwitted chicken Hei Hei winningly clucks his way across the Pacific atop of Moana's boat. But couldn't fan favorite Pua the piglet have gone adventuring, too?
Most delightful gallerina: Jena Malone, Nocturnal Animals
Cartoonishly dressed and amusingly vapid, Malone's art-world antics as gallery assistant Sage Ross made us laugh out loud in Tom Ford's new thriller.
